The deadline to apply to the city’s Youth Advisory Board has been extended through Monday, April 17.
The group is seeking new members to amplify young voices in Battle Creek. Members must be city residents, ages 14 to 20.
The group is empowered to set its own agenda, addressing and acting on issues of its own choosing related to the youth voice and making Battle Creek a better place for young people. In addition, a YAB representative now will sit on the dais with commissioners during their twice-monthly regular meetings at City Hall, the YAB is working on engagement through social media, and the YAB and city staff are working on additional ways to engage youth in city government and the community.
The YAB meets at 2 p.m. on the fourth Sunday of each month. In addition to the meetings, YAB members participate in community meetings and events, volunteer with various organizations and causes and more.
City Commissioners Lynn Ward Gray and Andy Helmboldt serve as liaisons to the board in an advisory role.
YAB members are encouraged to attend City Commission and other community meetings to let their voices be heard on the various issues up for discussion. For example, the YAB has voted in favor of the changes to the commission meeting rules public comment periods, strengthening the non-discrimination ordinance, and felt strongly that food trucks should be allowed downtown.
Submit applications to the City Manager’s Office, Room 206 at City Hall, 10 N. Division St. The application form is available on the city website, www.battlecreekmi.gov, by navigating to I Want To… Apply … Board or Commission.
The direct link to the application is: http://battlecreekmi.gov/DocumentCenter/Home/View/450